Birds of a Feather
Our kitchen is the only area of the house that enjoys large stretches of clear glass windows, greeting and welcoming the rising sun more enthusiastically than any other room. That could at least partially explain why I spend far more time there than in my own room, where even the wide open curtains only let in the faintest sliver of light, only a mere suggestion that it might in fact be day time. Like a moth drawn to the light, I’m likely to be found basking in the glow emitted by the row of windows adjacent to the fully transparent door downstairs, in the presence of all cooking activities surrounding. As much as I love this bright space, there are times when I curse the carefully constructed layout. It’s not entirely unusual to hear a sickening thud out of no where, and it’s instantly understood that another short-sighted bird mistook the solid surface as an opening.
If this happens when I’m around to hear it, I try to make sure that the feathered creature is alright, if a bit embarrassed. Although there’s little I could really do to help if they had seriously injured themselves, it’s a relief to know that my services are rarely need. Only once did the bird in question not immediately flutter off, shaken but stable. Looking more than a little dazed, I invited a particularly stricken victim of misperception inside to gather his wits and take a small breather. Accompanied shortly by two other worried friends, I asked them all to stay a bit, not wanting anyone to get left behind.
With both caretakers at his sides, it was no time before the whole trio was ready to set off again, behind schedule but wiser for the unexpected pit stop. Now I can fully appreciate when people put seemly absurd stickers on large glass surfaces, warning others to look where they’re going. Obvious to humans (in most cases), but a bird flying at high speed might not look twice otherwise. Maybe it’s time to invest in something of that sort, although unfortunately, I doubt that many of my winged friends will be able to read the warnings.
Birds are still a joy to have around for company, and if there were a way to have more of them stop in without literally hitting the side of the house, I think it would be the best for all of us. Visitors like the ones pictured here are extremely gracious guests, not at all demanding, and always courteous to their hosts, not to mention a snap to make. Requiring only the most basic crocheting competency and smallest amount of yarn, why don’t you adopt a few today?
Body:
Using an F hook and worsted weight yarn in the color of your choice, sc 6 into a circle
Sc2 into each st (12 sts)
Sc 1, sc2 into next st* around (18 sts)
Sc 2, sc2 into next st* around (24 sts)
Sc around
Sc 3, sc2 into next st* around (30 sts)
Sc around for 10 rounds
Sc 3, sc2 tog* around (24 sts)
Sc 2, sc2 tog* around (18 sts)
Sc 1, sc2 tog* around (12 sts)
Sc2tog around (6 sts)
Wings (Make 2):
Sc 6 into a circle
Sc2 into each st (12 sts)
Sc 3, sc2 into next st (15 sts)
Sc around for 3 rounds
Tail:
Sc6 into a circle
Sc2 into each st (12 sts)
Sc2 into each st (24 sts)
Assembly:
Stuff body firmly, gather remaining 6 stitches together and tie tightly. Fold tail in half and sew around outside edge. Sew tail with the flat (inner part) lined up with the last of plain single crochet on the body. With wings about halfway on the body, sew them on so that they are symmetrical, and the tail remains centered between them. Embellish with felt beak and plastic eyes.
Make a whole family, because birds of a feather flock together!
Ren said,
February 19, 2007 at 7:42 pm
those are so adorable! i don’t really crochet (i’ve crocheted one hat) but i might have to figure out how to crochet in rounds because those are so cute!
ugliducklyn said,
February 19, 2007 at 10:19 pm
What cuties! I might just make some of these guys for my niece, thanks for the pattern! I wonder if I could find a decorative bird cage at the craft store? Hmm……. the possibilities…….
Peaseblossom said,
February 20, 2007 at 12:26 am
I’m so going to give these a try. They’re adorable!
By the by, Ren, I’m going to do a N00b Monday post on crocheting in the round so maybe it’ll help.
dragonmommie said,
February 20, 2007 at 1:04 am
Thanks for this pattern! I have been wracking my brain trying to figure out favors for my son’s 2yr birthday… now I know what to make. How big are they?
Monica said,
February 21, 2007 at 11:04 am
They are soooooo cute!
rachel said,
February 22, 2007 at 5:59 pm
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww i like them
Dawn Castro said,
February 22, 2007 at 11:21 pm
I have made the body for this little bird but am having the darnest time with the wings!! I get to the sc3 sc2 in next sts around (15sts) and I keep coming up short!! I haven’t a clue how I keep doing that but i am!! i will get the wings done if it’s the last thing i do!! I love your patterns!! Thanks!
dragonmommie said,
February 25, 2007 at 1:30 pm
My first bird is done! Getting the wings to be symmetrical was the hardest thing to do, and even then, they still are NOT! I will send you a pic… but I need to get out and get something to use for the eyes. I might have those little eyes that wiggle around left over from something I did for my wedding. I have no felt whatsoever, but I am looking around my house for something that I can use. I tried knitting a beak, but that didn’t work out.
Dawn Castro said,
February 25, 2007 at 6:22 pm
I have finished my first little bird! I just have to put the beak on!! Will post a picture at flickr!! Thank you so much for this cute pattern!!
Dawn Castro said,
February 27, 2007 at 5:23 pm
I posted my little birdie at flickr!! I hope he will like his new home!!
Rosehip71 said,
February 28, 2007 at 9:09 am
Hello, I’ve made a bird using your pattern and have posted it at flickr. It was my first amigurumi and your pattern was very easy to follow. Thanks.
Monica said,
March 13, 2007 at 6:40 am
Thank you for sharing the instructions of this lovely bird … I must try it…
Jenny said,
March 15, 2007 at 9:16 pm
cute and thank you for sharing your pattern
Jessica said,
March 16, 2007 at 5:16 am
Wow - those are so very, very, very cute.
I’ve been trying to think of what to make up next and now I am going to rush off to buy some bright wool so that I can make up a few of these.
Thanks so much for posting this pattern!
Dagny said,
March 16, 2007 at 11:32 am
Lovely!! The photos are adorable and the story is as well! Will be making a few freinds for our Green Cheek Conures tonight!
maria said,
March 17, 2007 at 9:53 pm
thanks for sharing the pattern, i will give it a try. Not sure if i could make this.
Candy said,
March 23, 2007 at 10:08 am
Just wondering where can I get those plastic animal eyes?
Any information will be appreciated.
Thanks!
Peaseblossom said,
March 30, 2007 at 5:34 pm
I found some at JoAnn in several different sizes. I tend to go with the 9mm, myself. And they’re “cheep cheep cheep”!
Kare said,
April 2, 2007 at 10:11 am
These are about the cutest little chickies that I have ever seen. Thank you for posting your pattern.
Gotta run, though, I have 60 kazillion chickies to make now.
Thanks again.
; )
Allen Holman said,
April 5, 2007 at 12:03 am
Incredibly Cute, thank you so much for sharing!
(The pictures are wonderful too btw!)
Jessica said,
April 6, 2007 at 11:07 am
Hi Hannah,
Hope you have a fantastic time jet-setting off to Japan.
I just thought that I would let you know that I finally managed to make up some of these cute little birds which I’ve sent as Easter presents to some of my friends. I’ve taken some photos (a little blurry) and I’ve put them up on my flickr account at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/loopy_jess.
sarah said,
April 6, 2007 at 12:44 pm
thank you for sharing the little birds pattern…today was an especially blue day …
those adorable birds just brought a smile to my face………..
Rebecca aka Willow Tree said,
April 6, 2007 at 11:00 pm
Thank you for the pattern, I made one today to send to a person who has Cancer and is stuck in a icky hospital. A friend turned me onto your site! Thanks … you can see the photo at http://www.flickr.com/photos/willow_tree/448963449/
Esther said,
April 10, 2007 at 3:58 am
I see somehow I posted an automatic comment above. But these are mine: thanks for the pattern!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/claroquesi/449291542/
tabasco said,
April 11, 2007 at 5:13 pm
they are soooo cute. when ´ve done my knitting, i gonna try to make some of them
thanks for sharing the pattern.
karen said,
April 12, 2007 at 11:05 am
These are so cute. I dont crochet, I knit. Could you send me the pattern with a picture of the birds. I would love to try to make these. Thanks alot.
Raven said,
April 14, 2007 at 10:09 pm
WOOHOO!!! A pattern for a bird I can get into!!! I’ll be making crows and blue jays and purple jays….hee hee hee!!
Justine Shrider said,
April 15, 2007 at 8:15 am
I had the same guilt-inducing problem with occasional bird collisions on my
new paneless living room windows. There are subtle decals whidh can be put on windows to deter bird strikes. Google “window alert” for information.
nonoa said,
April 16, 2007 at 4:49 pm
Me think this is TOO cute!
Kristi said,
May 2, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Oh the cuteness, I love the bright colors.
Jessica said,
May 10, 2007 at 9:45 am
Very cute! Now, to make a birdcage for them ;)
kittything said,
May 19, 2007 at 4:15 pm
cute, cute, cute. i made my own punk rock bluebird from your pattern–complete with a mohawk!
frillgirl said,
May 21, 2007 at 3:20 pm
I made a set of these for a friend’s birthday. They came out SOOOO cute!!! I couldn’t find the smaller eyes, but I think the bigger ones turned out just as cute. I posted them on flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrissie_r/506643620/
You should start a flickr group for photos made from your patterns, if there’s not one already. I’m going to make the pop tart cell phone case. If the pattern was available for the little strawberry tart - I’d make that, too. It’s ADORABLE! :)
Thanks for a great, cute, easy to make pattern.
Kaitlin Mac said,
May 27, 2007 at 10:34 am
Very cute! I really want to make one for everyone I know, and a great way to use up scraps. Just one question: Did you make it in a spiral or do you connect at the end of each row.
Thanks!
Blabby said,
June 17, 2007 at 12:18 am
Thank you so much for sharing the pattern! I love your photos…thanks again!
Annikki said,
June 24, 2007 at 5:10 am
hi,
thank you so much for the pattern, the birds are so cute and so fast and much fun to crochet. ^^
i’ve got a german blog and when i posted some pictures of them, people asked me if i could translate the pattern into german. i just wanted to ask if it’s ok. ^^ of course you’re linked and there is a note that it’s not my pattern.
thanks again ^^
Annikki
Rachel said,
June 24, 2007 at 7:32 pm
SO CUTE. I’m making one. Right now.
Maggie said,
June 24, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Oh…that is sooooooo cute….I cant wait to try this out.
kaykun said,
June 26, 2007 at 2:23 am
quiero hacerlo!!!
pero veré si entiendo en ingles…
My first Amigurumi said,
June 27, 2007 at 3:18 pm
[...] In between furiously using my newly allotted tokens on iconbuffet, I’ve also been pretty busy crafting. Here are my newest creations. The little Ami bird is from a pattern from BitterSweet. [...]
Blabby said,
June 27, 2007 at 4:03 pm
I made a little bird…here’s a link (although, I see a trackback above.) Thanks again for the pattern. I think next time I will only do 5 rounds of single crochet in the middle instead of 10 - I like how round your birds are. I think doing 10 made my birds more like footballs :)
jules said,
July 12, 2007 at 6:54 pm
*squeeeeeee* I am going to drop everything and make a passel of these little guys. Thanks for the pattern! :)
brenda said,
August 17, 2007 at 8:26 pm
estan geniales los pajaritos¡¡¡
Sarah said,
August 20, 2007 at 1:25 pm
I just made my first birdie and I love him!!! Thank you for the pattern!!
Tina said,
August 22, 2007 at 5:58 pm
We have had that happen to us, too. Just recently the bird had bled onto the rock below him. :( My son brought him a (styrofoam) bowl full of bird seed and a bowl of water. :[ He did fly up to the fence after about twenty minutes, but I don’t know if he was okay or not after that… Anyway~ your birds are adorable!! I have been wanting to make one forever. I should just take a breather from my other projects and make one real quick. Thank you for sharing!
Mortaine’s Blog » Blog Archive » Half in, half out said,
August 29, 2007 at 10:39 am
[...] with a picture of something adorable, which I crocheted up just the other day. The pattern is the basic birdie pattern from Bittersweet. I made this in dark green Sugar n’ Spice cotton [...]
Rachel said,
August 30, 2007 at 3:55 pm
hi, i’ve tried making the bird, but am not understanding the pattern. when it says there should be 30 stitches, there always ends up being more. could you explain??
and we are off… « said,
September 1, 2007 at 5:06 am
[...] So after going through all the patterns again tonight I have made up my mind. I am going to do the basic bird . I have not been doing any amigurumi for a little while so hopefully this will refresh my [...]
Kelly said,
October 27, 2007 at 12:18 am
Soo cute! Thank you soo much for sharing the pattern. I love this little birdy. :)
Alicia said,
November 16, 2007 at 4:55 pm
I’m so making a ton of these!!
bohemia said,
December 10, 2007 at 7:16 am
Thank you for this little pattern. They are so cute !!!
kiss from france.
bohémia
Isi said,
December 10, 2007 at 1:07 pm
they’re so sweet… I should go and make one ^^
candy said,
December 20, 2007 at 9:07 pm
awwww
these lil birds are so cute
i have birds as pets so i cant wait to have a stuffed one
and thx for the pattern
Dianna said,
January 7, 2008 at 12:23 pm
These are cute! I made one for my 1 year old daughter. I didn’t put eyes or a beak on due to choking hazard. She loves her duck! My other children are also begging for a duck. Thank you for sharing the pattern.
jocelyn said,
January 26, 2008 at 8:05 pm
These are so so so so so so cute i’m going to make tons
HILLARY said,
January 26, 2008 at 8:15 pm
THE BRIDS ARE CUTE I EVEN WANT TO ONE .I LIKE THE LITTIE ONE,AND THE BIG ONES TO.
LIEXE said,
January 26, 2008 at 8:19 pm
THEY ARE SO SO CUTE
gyozamonsta said,
January 31, 2008 at 4:56 pm
so freakin cute. i shrunk the pattern and made micro bird balls. they’re hilarious.
littlemisscrochet said,
February 3, 2008 at 9:27 pm
These little guys are so cute! I made one myself… He is a big little window bird. My cat kinda stares at him wondering why he is in her window! Thanks again for such an awesome pattern.
Fake! « A Sunny Doodle said,
February 17, 2008 at 3:17 pm
[...] something yellow. I put down my book quickly. There nestled in the fake flowers was a small yellow bird. “You poor thing,” I said, “You should be outside.” The cute little birdie hoped in my [...]
Maggie said,
February 19, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Those are so cute!!
I wish I knew how to crochet anything other then chains…
christina said,
February 22, 2008 at 10:47 pm
linked my version of the birds in the url above!
this is the first real crochet pattern i’ve followed. thanks for posting it!
Julie said,
March 5, 2008 at 4:52 pm
haha… you are soooo creative… not just your pattern but your story!! love them! thanks for your generosity in sharing…. U R PRECIOUS!
RusticOkie said,
March 7, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Hey girl. I finally got around to finishing my birds and I posted them on my blog. Thought you might want to see them. You are so creative. Keep it up.
http://rusticremnants.blogspot.com/
petesgirl102393 said,
March 12, 2008 at 3:43 pm
These were great to work up. I also stuck to chopsticks in their butts and it looks like legs. My mother in law uses them as plant buddies. they stick in the dirt without messing up the bird. Thanks for sharing the pattern.
Stephanie
Spring is Near « k2sc1 said,
March 15, 2008 at 4:39 pm
[...] pattern is Birds of a Feather by BitterSweet. I did one per evening, maybe two, and embroidered the beak and [...]
Oriana said,
March 19, 2008 at 3:05 am
I LOVE THEM! They are so stinkin cute. I have made so many I have families. Thank you!
tracy_a said,
March 19, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Thanks for a quick and adorable pattern! I made one for my niece for Easter - and crocheted a little egg for it to live in too.
Metet said,
March 20, 2008 at 3:53 pm
I am trying to maek these nice little birdies, but unfortunately I am having problems converting the abreviations into English abreviations/stitches.
Would anyone be able to help please?
Carola Rodrigues said,
April 1, 2008 at 2:44 am
Hi! I translated this pattern to Portuguese on my blog.
If you want to take a look, the address is this, wrote here. :)
Pájaros de una pluma | Gancho y Agujas said,
April 14, 2008 at 3:56 pm
[...] a hacer amigurumis con proyectos sencillos, y uno de los ejemplos que dí fue el patrón de Birds of a Feather (Pájaros de una pluma o Tal para cual) de BitterSweet. Contacté a BitterSweet y me dió permiso [...]
Birdies (amigurumi desktop wallpaper) | Hook and Needles: Knitting and Crochet Blog (cool stuff, techniques, and things I find) said,
April 15, 2008 at 3:16 pm
[...] a desktop wallpaper featuring some Birds of a feather. There’s the yellow and purple birds, plus you can choose whether you want the bird on the [...]
Bottled Fame said,
April 29, 2008 at 6:42 pm
[...] made this little bird for my mom using this pattern: http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2007/02/19/birds-of-a-feather/ She enjoys watching the cardinals that visit our yard, so I thought I would make her one. The [...]
Caroline said,
May 1, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Darling! Thanks for the pattern! Goin’ to make some up right now!
Jessica said,
May 12, 2008 at 7:39 am
So sweet and so cute.Thanks for sharing..